Active Magazine // Stamford & Rutland // July 2021

Local staycations; enjoy what’s on our doorstep Fermented foods, find out more Manage your life; why you need insurance Gone fishing Enjoy two walks with Will Try Ragdale’s Heart and Soul Fitness studios I S S U E 1 0 4 | J U LY 2 0 2 1

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E E R F

We take to the water Try your hand at different watersports

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E DI TO R ’ S L E T T E R Editor and Publisher Mary Bremner mary@theactivemag.com Deputy editor Kate Maxim kate@theactivemag.com Art editor Matt Tarrant Contributors Will Hetherington, Jeremy Smithson-Beswick Advertisement Sales Director Lisa Chauhan lisa@theactivemag.com Production assistant Gary Curtis Accounts accounts@theactivemag.com Active magazine, Eventus Business Centre, Sunderland Road, Northfield Industrial Estate, Market Deeping, PE6 8FD If you have information about a club then please get in touch by emailing editor@theactivemag.com.

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Active magazine is published monthly 12 times per year.

ISSN 2059-8513 Published by Triangle Publishing Ltd Printed by Warner’s of Bourne

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Copyright (c) Triangle Publishing Ltd (TPL) 2019. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, or be stored in any retrieval system, of any nature, without prior permission from TPL. Any views or opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of L or its a liates. isclaimer of Liability. hilst every effort has been made to ensure the quality and accuracy of the information contained in this publication at the time of going to press, TPL and its a liates assume no responsibility as to the accuracy or completeness of and, to the extent permitted by law, shall not be liable for any errors or omissions or any loss, damage or expense incurred by reliance on information or any statement contained in this publication.

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‘It’s the being away from home that counts, not how far away.’

THIS MONTH THANK goodness the weather has improved as we have all been dipping our toes in the water. We might be landlocked here and a fair drive from the coast but we have plenty of water around us where we can indulge our love for watersports to our hearts’ content. And that’s just what the three of us have been doing. Lisa has been walking on water, Kate standing up on it and ’ve been oating on it with a rod in my hand; and the weather was perfect for us all!

It doesn’t look like many of us are going to be getting on a plane and ying anywhere for a while but who cares when we have so much on our doorstep. We’ve been exploring the idea of staycations and found that you can literally go a few miles up the road and have a really relaxing break. It’s the being away from home that counts, not how far away. And there are some fabulous places to stay almost within a stone’s throw of your home.

Kate and I were lucky to be invited to spend a couple of days at agdale all Spa this month to review their heart and soul fitness facilities. I was convinced they were trying to kill us when I saw the schedule of the classes they had arranged for us but thankfully this was not the case. And despite the intensity of some of the classes we left feeling re uvenated and uite a lot fitter.

Gut health is a big thing at the moment and really always should be, as a healthy gut keeps you well. Fermented foods are full of the good bacteria which help keep your gut healthy so we’ve found out more about them.

The second instalment of our new series Manage your Life is all about insurance, and goodness do we need it? We certainly do when you read some of the toe curling things that have happened to people. Bakeries in particular seem to have rather a hard time of it…

Mary - Editor FIND US ONLINE

FACEBOOK theACTIVEmag

TWITTER @theACTIVEmag

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WEBSITE theactivemag.com

July 2021 / theactivemag.com

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I S S U E 10 4 / J U LY 2021

Contents

36 ACTIVE LIFE 14 FERMENTED FOODS

nnabel Britton finds out more

16 TRAVEL FEATURE

Stay close to home to en oy a brea

25 MEET POP

his iaggio pe is going to be everyone’s friend

26 WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE e try different watersports

36 RAGDALE HALL SPA

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e review their eart and Soul itness facilities

40 WILL’S WALKS

n oy a gentle stroll through a calm corner of south west Lincolnshire

NEW SERIES 38 MANAGE YOUR LIFE hy insurance is vital

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ACTIVE KIDS 48 SCHOOL NEWS

atch up with news from the schools

ACTIVE BODY 50 THE MALE MENOPAUSE rue or false

ACTIVE SPORT 58 READERS’ CHALLENGES

wo readers are tac ling their first marathon and one is a non runner

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25/06/2021 14:01

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AT T. C . H A R R I S O N F O R D

FORD PUMA ST INTRODUCING THE

C O N TA C T U S F O R M O R E D E TA I L S

C O N TA C T U S V I A

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Celebrating 90 years together

GROUP Est. 1931

Model shown is All-New Puma ST-Line X mHEV 125PS 5 Door, Fuel economy mpg (1/100km) (Combined): 51.4 (5.5) *CO2 emissions 96-99g/km. Puma ST anticipated fuel efficiency from 6.0 l/100 km and CO2 emissions from 134 g/km NEDC (6.9 l/100 km and 155 g/km WLTP). Officially homologated fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions figures will be published closer to on-sale date.

Figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption and CO2 figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend on a number on factors including the accessories fitted, variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. There is a new test used for fuel consumption and CO2 figures.

The CO2 figures shown however, are based on the outgoing test cycle and will be used to calculate vehicle tax on first registration. T. C. Harrison Group Limited, Milford House, Mill Street, Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1HH acts as a credit broker in relation to financial products and not a lender. For customers requiring finance we can introduce you to a small number of carefully selected credit providers who may be able to offer you different finance products to suit your needs, subject to assessment of your personal circumstances. You are not obliged to use these finance products which may have different interest rates and charges. We do not charge a fee for our services but a lender we introduce will typically provide us with a commission for the work that we do, which is a percentage of the amount you borrow. The lenders we work with may pay commission at different rates and the amount of commission we receive from a lender does not affect the amount that you pay to that lender under your credit agreement. We are only able to offer finance products from the providers we work with. T. C. Harrison Group Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FCA Reg. No. 312522

ActiveLife We try different watersports | Find out more about fermented foods Walk with Will twice this month | Series: manage your life; why you need insurance Try the new Heart and Soul Fitness studios at Ragdale E DI T E D BY M A RY B R E M N E R

Local staycations p16 Kate and Mary enjoyed a night in King’s Cliffe

July 2021 / theactivemag.com

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DELIVERING CARE IN STAMFORD AND BOURNE

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Flour & Fern is a bespoke cake design business based out of Tugby, specializing in celebration cakes and cupcakes for all occasions. Not only do we create imaginative and beautiful cakes, but we have an exciting range of tray-bakes and pastries available to pre-order.

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BEFORE

AFTER

Conservatory too hot in the summer and too cold in winter?

Classic have the answer to this problem and you do not even have to change the existing windows/ doors, although you can. Structurally very strong which means your new sun room meets full Building Regulation Approval.

visit our showroom

12 St Leonard’s Street, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2HN Open: Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm, Sat 9am-2pm

Tel: 01780 654321 Email: sales@classicstamford.co.uk www.classicstamford.co.uk

Active life

Sing for Life is back SING FOR LIFE 2021 is back and launching in September.

After a long delay - for obvious reasons - Sing for Life is looking for 40 local women to join together for a singing project which will culminate in a concert in November to raise funds for the Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice. You’ll learn to sing (as no experience is necessary), meet new people and have fun. he pro ect ic s off with introductory sessions on September 1, 2 and 4 so if you fancy a challenge and the opportunity to try something new boo your time slot now. o find out more visit www.peterboroughsings.org.uk

Oakham Bowling Club TO HELP PROMOTE the sport Oakham Bowling Club recently held an open day which attracted lots of interest. People were able to try their hand at playing bowls, find out more about the club and the sport and many new members have subsequently signed up.

Bowls is an inclusive, fun sport which can be played on an equal footing between men and women and it’s an enjoyable way to keep fit and active, and to ma e new friends too. a ham bowling club has facilities for the casual or more serious player and offers various levels of memberships. Free, no obligation sessions are available and they’re a friendly bunch so you’ll get a good welcome. www.oakhambowlingclub.uk

RAFA ride success

810 RIDERS FROM around the world joined together in June to raise money for RAFA; 250 of whom rode with RAFA Rides founder and Active contributor Gary Waterfall around the Leicestershire and Rutland countryside. So far the event has raised a staggering £118,000!

Riders joined, remotely and in person, from 20 countries across six continents to raise money for the charity which supports the RAF family. Well done! www.rafa.org.uk

Music in the garden THE EXETER ARMS in Barrowden is fast becoming a go-to venue for music events. From solo guitarists to rockabilly, gypsy jazz and Irish bands they’ve got something to suit most musical tastes. Sit and listen in the garden with a drink or over a meal from the outside bar and kitchen.

The music events take place at the weekends or Mondays; check the website for full details of who is playing each month. www.exeterarmsbarrowden.co.uk The Roamantics - Exeter Arms

Heading to the Cross Fit World Championships DAVID WIGGIN, ORIGINALLY from Stamford and Rutland, along with his team of four, recently won the ross it ames semi finals in Brisbane, Australia. He will now head to America for the Cross Fit World Championships.

After attending Stamford School David headed to New Zealand for a gap year and has been there pretty much ever since, apart from a brief stint back in the UK to further his law studies. He trains at the 64 Army gym in Christchurch along with other elite athletes including some All Blacks.

When David is back in the UK he trains at the Valhalla Project gym in Essendine which is co-owned by his brother Dan, who also gives him daily advice on muscle strength and performance.

July 2021 / theactivemag.com

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School’s out for Summer!

The OAKs club is a daily holiday club for 5-11 year olds delivering a range of fun Sports, Activities and Crafts with the aim of encouraging play, creativity, and building confidence.

Location: Whissendine Sports Centre Time: 9am-3pm.

Limited Spaces Available - Book Now OAKs Club Dates: 27th-30th July, 2nd-5th August, 23rd-27th August Just £25 per child per day or 10% discount when booking 4 or more days over the Summer holidays.

Rise2Shine (Anytime from 8:15-9am): £2.50 per child per day Extra-Time (up to 4:30pm): £5 per child per day Email: ameadows@myfutureoak.com to book your place.

Website: myfutureoak.com to find out more

Installers of stylish thermally efficient products.

Highly knowledgeable staff who offer excellent advice.

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visit our showroom 12 St Leonard’s Street, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2HN Open: Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm, Sat 9am-2pm

Tel: 01780 654321 Email: sales@classicstamford.co.uk www.classicstamford.co.uk

Active life

What’s on

Garden of the year awards KELMARSH HALL IN Northamptonshire is a member of the Historic Houses Association and this year their gardens have been nominated for the 2021 Garden of the Year Awards. The grade ll* listed gardens were selected along with eight other gardens throughout the country. The award is based on votes from visitors so do make sure you visit and vote at www. historichouses.org/garden-of-the-year www.kelmarsh.com

AFTER A TWO-YEAR absence the Maxey classic car and bike show is back. It was cancelled in 2019 because of the weather and last year because of Covid restrictions so it’s good to see it back on August 14.

Entry is £5 with under 14s free. www.maxeyclassiccarandbikeshow.com

THE FESTIVAL OF Leicestershire and Rutland Archaeology is running from July 3 to August 1. Events are planned throughout the month including guided walks, digital talks and many more family friendly activities. More information about the festival and a full list of events can be found at https://leicsfieldworkers.org/festival-of-archaeology/

A new community room Cinema is back THE CINEMA AT Stamford’s Art Centre has reopened and is currently showing films, the first time since March .

Reserved seating is available on a socially distanced basis so it’s a good idea to boo early. o find out what’s on and to make a reservation go to www.stamfordartscentre.com/ whats-on

THE ECO VILLAGE in Market Harborough is opening a new community room after securing a £9,000 Severn Trent Community grant. The room will provide a space for diverse community-led educational events programmes.

Founded as a Community Interest Company in 2020, the Eco Village is home to an ever-growing collection of small businesses and community groups and joint founders Beth Lambert and Beth Awdry are delighted to be opening their new Community Room. www.eco-village.co.uk

July 2021 / theactivemag.com

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STA M F O R D

S T R I N G S

Professional Makers, Restorers, and Dealers in Fine Violins stamfordstrings.co.uk

- Restore, repair, conserve - Buy and sell antique and new instruments of the string quartet family - Fantastic range of instrumental bows, cases and accessories - BAM cases and cello accessories designed and made in-house - Bow repairs and re-hairs - Appraisals and Insurance certificates - Catering for all players, age ranges and abilities - Hidersine main dealer THE OLD OLIVE BRANCH, 3 ST LEONARD’S STREET STAMFORD, PE9 2HU | LIBBY@STAMFORDSTRINGS.CO.UK

Direct train from Birmingham, Leicester and Cambridge Less than an hour by road from Nottingham and Lincoln London is 45 minutes by train from nearby Peterborough

Visit Deene Park, a beautiful Tudor and Georgian family home situated in the tranquil East Northamptonshire countryside.

For opening times, prices and to book admission tickets please visit the Deene Park website.

www.deenepark.com Tel: 01780 450278

Deene Park, Northamptonshire, NN17 3EG

ay y D ul n hJ m pe t 1p O t 17 m Sa 10a

NEW FOREST SCHOOL AND OUTDOOR LEARNING OPPORTUNITY Open to all Pre-School children.

Now registering for September 2021.

Phone 01780 721079 for more information. www.wild-at-heart.uk

Active life

Chickweed; bird food or weed?

Rowan Griffith explains that chickweed is more than just an annoying weed Common chickweed (Stellaria media) is one of the most abundant weeds to be found on cultivated ground in the United Kingdom. As every gardener will know this low and sprawling wild plant is often seen as a nuisance since it will invade and smother owering borders and vegetable plots. Chickweed is also a common weed in arable crops but also occurs on riverbanks, coastal land and roadside verges. In fact it will thrive in any moist light soil up to around 900 ft but does not favour strong direct sunlight. The seed can survive ungerminated for up to 25 years. No wonder farmers and gardeners pale at the sight of it. he weed is easily identifiable, having small oval fresh green leaves with a pointed end. The many branching stems are thin, imsy almost and with a distinct line of tiny white hairs down one side as though they have a fine mane. he small star shaped owers loo as though they have 10 white petals but actually only have five, which are deeply lobed or cleft.

Apart from in the depths of winter the plant is almost always owering.

Interestingly, the blossoms, which close at night and open in the morning, also close when it is about to rain.

Whilst a pest to gardeners and farmers, chickweed is a staple food to many garden birds including the cha nch, bullfinch, greenfinch, goldfinch, blackbird, skylark and bunting. Chickweed is high in vital vitamins and minerals including iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium and zinc so is a significant dietary supplement for good avian health in many small birds.

As its common name suggests it is still harvested by smallholders throughout Europe for chicken food. So, perhaps this humble garden weed should not be so thoroughly discouraged.

GARDE NING

Reap what you sow July is when your garden begins to bear fruit says Bosworth Garden Centre

J

ULY CAN BE one of the warmest and driest months of the year, although nothing is certain with the British weather! Watering plants, especially pots, is essential during this month. On hot days it is best to water either early in the morning or later at night. As many of us are now on water meters, a water butt connected to your guttering to harvest rainwater can be a wise investment.

For the vegetable or allotment gardener July should see the start of your previous months’ hard wor paying off as many vegetables are now ready to harvest. Your first courgettes should be available this month. They do grow fast so if you leave them a few days, with a bit of sun and rain they can get too big, so be sure to pick them regularly and look under the large leaves as it’s quite easy to miss one. Runner beans should start to be picked this month too, and should keep going throughout the summer. Don’t forget the tomatoes this month. Feed a good quality fertiliser such as Tomorite and keep watered regularly. he ower garden should be a rainbow of colours during July. A real gardener’s favourite is the Dahlia which come in an array of colours and ower shapes. hese stunning owers are at home in borders but work equally well in pots. They also make a great cut ower to go in a vase and the more they are cut the more new growth is encouraged.

Dahlias are grown from tubers and will come back each year. But a word of caution,

they must be protected from frost. Many gardeners will dig the tubers up from the borders, overwinter them and replant after the frosts have gone in the spring. You can also protect them by covering them in a layer of mulch so the soil doesn’t get too cold or wet.

The Dahlia is native to Mexico and is their national ower. t came to urope around 200 years ago originally to the Botanical Gardens in Madrid. It was named by Abbé Cavanille in honour of Andreas Dahl.

In July mowing the lawn weekly is essential to keep it looking its best as now is optimum growing time. In very warm, dry weather raise the cutting heights of the blades. This will help conserve water in the lawn.

Weeds are one thing that are never di cult to grow. t’s always a good idea to ‘attack’ them when you see them rather than leaving them to build up and it then becomes a chore. There are now a great range of environmentally friendly weed killers and fertilisers which are not only good for your garden but also good for the planet as a whole; we stock many of them.

Over the past few months there has been a lot of talk on switching to peat free composts which we now stock.

One last thing, however keen a gardener you are, it’s good to ta e five minutes or more to relax in the garden and enjoy what you have created; all that hard work deserves to be admired! www.bosworthsgc.co.uk

July 2021 / theactivemag.com

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Fermented food fever Annabel Britton from All Good Market in Stamford explains how and why we should eat more fermented foods, and what exactly they are

T

HE FERMENTED FOOD trend had been slowly bubbling away - much like a jar of kimchi - but over the last 12 months it has exploded, becoming more and more popular. ombucha and efir have become almost as ubiquitous as yoghurt and sauerkraut. What’s behind the rise and rise of the ferment? And what does ‘good for your gut’ actually mean?

Because of an over-reliance on processed foods and a decrease in the nutritional value of fruit and veg, today the average western diet contains fewer and fewer nutrients.

Therefore, the microbes in our gut are in need of a helping hand to do their jobs: stimulate the immune system, digest the nutrients in our food and fight any pathogens that find their way into our digestive tract.

Welcome to ferments.

The process of fermentation converts the starches and sugars in food into alcohols or acids which stimulate the production of ‘good bacteria,’ or probiotics. The next thing to get our heads round is prebiotics.

Meg Ellison who is the Stamford-based entrepreneur behind rafft rains and a nutrition student tells us prebiotic fibre is a relatively new discovery. It is a special form of dietary fibre that acts as a fertiliser for all the ‘friendly’ bacteria in the large intestine, contributing towards a healthy gut. New science is emerging to suggest that eating the correct amount of prebiotic fibre is ust as important as eating a diet rich in fermented foods packed with probiotics. Without prebiotics you can’t provide the probiotics the correct environment for them to survive

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and thrive.’

We’re also becoming increasingly aware of the link between gut health and mood; ‘gut feeling’ is a real thing! The neurotransmitter serotonin is produced in the gut, adding credence to the idea that a healthy gut is essential for a healthy mind.

Long before this very modern requirement to replace the gaping nutrition-holes in our diets with previously obscure Korean condiments and sparkling Chinese teas, fermented foods were staples in our diets because of their practicality in the prerefrigeration era. Cider, beer, cheeses and their accompanying pickles were all ways to make use of a seasonal glut.

Fermented foods had been declining in relevance since the Industrial Revolution as many more people were now working in factories and mills rather than tending to their plots of land. Sourdough bread, for example, gave way to processed loaves; but the beer obviously stayed. No wonder then

that as the pandemic gave us both a great deal of spare time and immune-system anxiety, the popularity of fermented foods once again soared.

We have a number of producers and purveyors of cultured goodness in the local area. My shop stocks kimchi made by local plant based chef Celine Bangay. Kimchi is a Korean condiment made from fermented Napa cabbage (yes, people do tend to look aghast when I tell them that) along with carrot, onion, ginger and ochu ang which is a chilli paste. Her Instagram account is a fountain of recipe ideas and a good place to start if you’re looking for a bit of food inspiration find her imchi panca e recipe below.

I’m very partial to a spoonful of kimchi on cheese on toast or stirred into some scrambled egg. oreans may or may not find this sacrilegious, but the sharp and spicy kimchi is the ideal complement to creamier avours. t’s also delicious on rice dishes and

July 2021 / theactivemag.com

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Active life

salads. I think if you like kimchi (and it isn’t for everyone you’ll start to find yourself putting it on everything, apart from your morning cereal, before long.

Another innovative product made locally is rafft rains’ grain ola. he granola is made using draff which is spent brewer’s grains from a ham’s rainstore Brewery, which is brimming with prebiotics, protein and micronutrients. he grains are dehydrated and mi ed with dates and pecans to make a delicious cereal. You can also find rafft rains at dith eston Village Stores. ombucha is a fi y fermented drin made from sugar and tea of Chinese and Japanese origins and another very popular way to add some probiotic goodness to your diet. Yeast turns sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide and bacteria convert the alcohol into acetic acid, giving it a sour taste, which can be an ac uired one. illy’s ellness, a new range of apple cider vinegar and kombucha drinks from the entrepreneur behind yrrell’s crisps and hase vod a, uses only clean ingredients (like organic fruit uices to achieve a refreshing avour. ou’ll find illy’s stoc ed at ll ood Mar et. ver at Mar et arborough’s eco village the Bearded ersian brews a delicious arl rey, eylon and cardamom infused ombucha. nspired by lan’s own digestive health journey, he sells this in a circular system, so all of the glass bottles are returned and refilled reducing waste. www.allgoodmarket.co.uk www.eco-village.co.uk www.drafftgrains.com @thebeardedpersian @celine_bangay

“The process of fermentation converts the starches and sugars in food into alcohols or acids which stimulate the production of ‘good bacteria,’ or probiotics.”

Kimchi Pancakes Much like a plant based version of an omelette, these pancakes are a good way to use up odds and sods you might have in the vegetable drawer. Sauté some onion, garlic or broccoli stem and add to the mix, or wilt some chard, spinach or beetroot leaves to serve alongside.

Ingredients • 1 cup gram (chickpea) flour • 4 tbsp kimchi juice • 6 tbsp water • 2 tbsp kimchi • 1 pinch turmeric • black pepper • 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil Method • Combine turmeric, black pepper and gram flour before adding water, kimchi and kimchi juice and beating to a smooth mixture.

• Heat olive oil in a pan on a high heat, but make sure it doesn’t smoke.

• Add a large tablespoon of the mixture to the pan. Flip after a few minutes, it should be brown.

• Repeat with the remaining mixture, which should make about six pancakes.

• Top with whatever you like!

July 2021 / theactivemag.com

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Stay close to home A change is as good as a rest they say…

Mary and Kate tried it for themselves, just down the road from their own homes

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Staycations

F

OR THE SECOND summer running holidays abroad are being restricted; more so this year than last extraordinarily. And if we do travel overseas there is always the risk of suddenly being made to quarantine or having to rush home to avoid it; and who wants to queue at airports for hours on end?

Certainly not me.

So welcome to the staycation. If we are being truly pedantic that does mean holidaying at home but in these weird times it has taken on a new meaning; holidaying in the UK. But that doesn’t necessarily mean following the hordes and fighting your way to the coast to sit am pac ed on a beach. No, go somewhere slightly less obvious, even very close to home as it’s true, a change really is as good as a rest. nd we chose to go to ing’s liffe.

There was method in our madness. Neither of us really knew the village despite it being pretty close to where we both live. But the biggest attraction was the beautiful Boundary Cross House which lies in the heart of the village’s conservation area.

BOU NDA RY CROS S HOUSE Boundary Cross House is one of three properties that Sarah and eoff rent out for holiday accommodation. he other two, The Stables and The Hayloft are converted barns next to their farmhouse near the church, ust across the road from Boundary Cross House, both of which sleep two. They are extremely spacious and luxurious with a lovely garden, outside seating, covered and uncovered, as well as a summer house to en oy this really is high end holiday accommodation. Note the artwork on the walls, much of it is Sarah’s own. Guests who stay here have access to bicycles and can help themselves to bespoke gourmet ice cream which eoff has made for charity, raising over , . ate and were going to en oy a night in Boundary ross House. New this season it is beautifully and luxuriously decorated and furnished using British and European design with everything you could think of. Aga in the kitchen, tick. Comfy bed and pillows, tick. Luxury furnishings and fittings, tic . Landscaped garden, tic . ot tub, tick. Games room, tick. It even has a mood enhancing lighting system which is fitted throughout the house and caters for every sort of light you want. And note the beautiful Murano lights in the kitchen. Attention to detail is very apparent and eoff and Sarah have thought of everything, right down to the beautifully arranged owers waiting for you.

‘This area is a sort of hidden Cotswolds,’ says Sarah ‘and people are beginning to realise. It’s as beautiful as the Cotswolds but with half the amount of visitors so you can en oy the peace and tran uility of the countryside and surrounding area without having to sit in tra c ams.’

Sarah is right, we are living in a hidden gem around here and I quite like that.

But ’d never e plored ing’s liffe. suppose when you live on the doorstep of so many pretty villages you don’t ma e the time to visit them all. Slightly off the beaten trac , in that it’s not on a main road, ing’s liffe is not somewhere you’d necessarily drive through unless you were visiting for a specific reason. Some of these pretty

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A Hidden Gem

You are assured a warm welcome at Hall Farm King’s Cliffe

Hall Farm Advert Logo.pdf

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We offer stylish, luxury accommodation in a beautiful historic village location. The Hayloft and The Stables provide self-catering for 2 and Boundary Cross House sleeps 6 with hot tub and games room.

We are 20 mins from Stamford, Peterborough and Oundle. Prices from £120-£350 per night.

Contact Sarah on: 07906502494 I Email info@hallfarmkingscliffe.co.uk www.hallfarmkingscliffe.co.uk

Staycations places you never actually stop in and wander around, and that’s a pity. So for one night this was going to change. We were going to e plore what is right on our doorstep and en oy staying in a lu urious, beautifully furnished house sat in the heart of this conservation village. But before we headed out to admire the architecture and e plore the village we took the time to enjoy the house itself. As I said, it’s beautifully furnished with uropean and British furniture. Attention to detail is second to none; designer furniture and fabrics; local artists’ paintings on the walls.

You need to actually sit on the comfortable sofa and take it all in; absorb it as it were. e were in ing’s liffe on a warm day in une so we made the most of the garden. There’s a Heston Blumenthal barbecue, plenty of seating and of course the hot tub. But what Kate and I most enjoyed was the beautifully furnished games’ room with its table tennis table. That was it, we were reliving our youths and happily played for ages.

We were pretty evenly matched and after initial rustiness quickly settled into a groove. We were delighted that we could actually play competitively and chat at the same time; pretty impressive we thought! n the morning it was time to e plore ing’s liffe properly. Because of its pro imity to woodland, historically Rockingham forest, it has been home to many a wood turner and Sarah has used Glyn Mould, a local wood carver for all the nameplates at the properties. It’s also historically a village of artists and crafts people and some of them remain today. And take note of the blue heritage signs in the windows that tell you who lived in the house in a censor year) which Kate and I found fascinating; and how much times have changed. Not many people of ‘private means’ these days we imagine. And the butcher had one of the largest houses in the village. rchitecturally ing’s liffe is very pretty local limestone with a huge variety of houses and cottages ranging from the rather grand to the prettily tiny. We were sorry we did not have more time to spend there as there’s a lot of history. And it’s not just the village that is worth e ploring, the surrounding countryside is very pretty too. he urassic ay s irts the village and there are lots of walks to enjoy.

It did emphasise to us what is on our doorstep and sometimes we can overlook this. You don’t have to travel far to en oy a complete change of scenery and a different pace of life to feel yourself rela ing almost immediately. nd doing it in the lu urious surroundings of a holiday rental such as Boundary Cross House really is the icing on the cake; well maybe the table tennis topped it all. www.hallfarmkingscliffe.co.uk

FA IRCH IL D S And if you want a farm stay right in the middle of rolling Leicestershire countryside, look no further than Fairchilds, situated just outside Caldecott on the edge of Rutland.

Fairchild’s Barn and Big Drift Barn are two stunning semi detached barn conversions set over two oors. ach house enjoys views over the countryside, with bi-fold doors opening onto the properties’ private gardens with seating to enjoy al fresco dining during the warmer months and a private hot tub each, whatever the weather. The open plan living space makes these properties perfect for celebrations with friends and family, and both houses feature a focal wood burner making the rooms warm and cosy. Having bedrooms with bathroom facilities on the ground oor, these properties cater for less mobile guests which is definitely something to thin of when organising a multi-generational holiday.

The barns are situated on Andrew and Louise Brown’s farm. The grounds back onto woodland where you can en oy a campfire, or even camp overnight, if you want a different e perience during your stay with permission from the owners). ach house sleeps eight or you can boo both for a larger party of si teen guests. nd music to dog owners’ ears, two dogs per barn are welcome. Hot tubs and pets allowed, what more can you ask for? www.visitourfarm.co.uk

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RIVERSIDE Idyllic country cottages are fabulous places to stay, there’s no doubt about it. But town centre apartments can offer ust as much pleasure. You’re bang in the middle of town in walking distance of all the restaurants, cafés, bars, theatres and facilities you can think of. Everything is on your doorstep so you don’t need a car. Stamford has all of that as well as fabulous architecture to absorb, admire and en oy.

And it also has the river which meanders gently through the town.

Some of you of a certain era who have been in the town for a long time will remember the Riverside nightclub; Stamford’s finest and only eshpot. Many of us cut our nightlife teeth in this old converted warehouse and have many a story to tell. And our children probably have many stories of their own as the Riverside nightclub then metamorphosed into Quayhole Kate’s.

The building is no longer a place of pulsating music, secret corners, sweaty bodies, stale cigarette smoke and sticky, beery carpets; thank goodness. It has now been converted and has a much more tranquil aura these days. he ground oor houses a MediSpa home to a and the top oor, which visited, is now split into modern, comfortable, fully furnished apartments which are available all year round. And you can even stay in the Toll House which fronts on to the town bridge.

The Grade II listed building is ancient and is an iconic building in Stamford. Once inside you are met with bright, airy, modern apartments all with their own entrances and most of them with great views over the river. They are the perfect spot for visiting family and friends to come and stay and are the ideal location for exploring Stamford and the surrounding area. You can also stay here for long term lets such as between house moves. There are four apartments in total: two, two beds and two, one bed, including the Toll ouse. nd every guest is offered a discount by a for treatments and you can en oy sitting on their terrace

overlooking the river.

Darren Grigas and his partner Sarah have been running the Riverside apartments since 2017 and have been very busy. uests are oc ing to stay in Stamford and they were lucky to have some long term business guests over the lockdowns. Now they are getting tourists. They also have a three bedroom house in the town that looks over the Meadows as well as another property in rowland. heir properties are available on websites such as airbnb but you would be best to book direct using their website.

And I can assure you that you would never know there used to be a nightclub in the building there is definitely no remaining residue of beer and cigarettes! www.stamfordstays.com

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Staycations C L E M AT I S C O T TAG E S If peace and quiet, tranquility and relaxation are what you want you need to head to ichard and aye ri n at Lodge Farm, which is on the edge of the hamlet of Aunby, four miles from Stamford. ere you will find lematis ottages which are a collection of spacious, bespo e, luxuriously furnished, very pretty, mainly barn conversions made up of five cottages which together sleep 14 people. The cottages range from beds for six, two doubles and a twin, to a small anne e. hey can be boo ed as a whole for extended family or you can rent them individually; both options are very popular. There is e cellent ifi for those that need it and even electric charging points for your car. he cottages are at the end of a long drive, off a narrow country road, sitting in five acres of grounds which includes ponds, paddoc s and beautiful herbaceous gardens with wonderful views over open countryside; you are literally in the middle of nowhere and can enjoy the seclusion, peace and quiet; you feel relaxed as soon as you step out of the car and breathe in the fresh air. There’s certainly no light pollution here. hese five acres have been laid out, designed, planted and nurtured by Richard and Kaye in the twenty odd years that they’ve lived here. There is a fabulous vegetable garden which guests can order seasonal veg boxes from. Richard is a bee eeper with an apiary so there is always honey for sale, and you can do a bee eeping course with him as well. nd aye ma es her own produce so you will always find chutneys, piccalillis and jellies on sale as well; and eggs too, courtesy of the resident chic ens.

This beautiful place is a haven for wildlife. You will meet the resident barn owl, rare bats, rabbits, hares and duc s on the pond. here is now a hide so een bird watchers can spend time watching the wildlife; you really are close to nature here. ‘We want our guests to enjoy the peace and tran uility and ma e the most of the grounds,’ says aye. here’s plenty of room to play cric et and football, picnic or barbecue as well as lots of seating dotted around, and a table tennis table. ou can be as sociable as you li e or completely private. We want guests to relax here and treat the grounds as their own space.’ www.clematiscottages.co.uk

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Country Inn and Restaurant A warm welcome is assured at our quintessential old English county pub, bringing you the best of British home cooked meals and a choice of well kept Real Ales.

Why not join us for Sunday Lunch?

Choice of 3 roasts all served with the traditional trimmings £11.95 for one course up to £17.95 for three courses

Curry Night

1st Thursday of every month.

Two course menu with selection of starters, followed by three homemade curries £10.95 a head

Friday Lunchtime Special

2 Portions of Cod, Chips and Mushy Peas for £10 Tuesday, Wednesday 4pm - 11pm (Food 6.30pm - 9.30pm) Thursday 4pm - 11pm (Food 6.30pm - 9.30pm) Friday, Saturday 12pm - 12am (Food 12pm - 2.30pm/6.30pm - 9.30pm) Sunday 12pm - 6pm (Food 12.30pm - 3pm)

LAST ORDERS WILL BE TAKEN 30 MINUTES BEFORE FOOD IS STOPPED SERVING

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Tel: 01536 770268 www.thehattonarms.com

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Staycations

RU T L A N D HOL I DAY L E T S Location, location, location is what it’s all about and this property in Orange Street in Uppingham certainly ticks all the boxes. Situated right in the heart of the beautiful, historic town on the ground oor of the recently converted ld onstables building it really is convenience personified for any visitor. ppingham is awash with historical architecture, art galleries, antique shops, bars and restaurants and everything is on your doorstep. he one bedroomed at, whilst in this beautiful old building, is modern, crisp and well equipped and sleeps four. There is also an outside area to enjoy. ob and Sheila also have three properties in Belton in utland, a uaint and idyllic village in the utland

countryside where you can enjoy walking and cycling as well as visit all the local nearby attractions. he ld Boiler house is a charming little cottage that used to house the heating system for the hunting lodge next door. It is spacious and decorated in a contemporary style with a large double bedroom, bathroom on the first oor and a lounge diner downstairs with a private outside sitting space to the rear.

Another room in the old hunting lodge next door can be made available for a bigger group and the lounge has a sofa bed. or peace and rela ation he og’s Barrac s should fit the bill. Li e its name, the layout is uir y, with a first oor lounge and spacious bedroom. n the ground oor is a well equipped country style kitchen with an Aga as well as a large shower room and utility area, both with under oor heating. And there’s a patio seating area nestled in The Orchard belonging to the neighbouring hunting lodge. he ovecot is a two bedroom cottage spread over three oors. t is all decorated in a simple contemporary style, uncluttered yet comfortable which is just what any guests want. www.rutlandholidaylets.co.uk

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7 HIGH STREET ST MARTINS STAMFORD WWW.WHITE-GINGER.COM

Active life

Meet Pops Pops is going to be everyone’s friend. He’s a charming Piaggio Ape 50 who is stocked full of prosecco, beer and gin, and he’ll come to your party. Mary Bremner met him

C

LAIRE HALL HAS been a freelance corporate event producer for 25 years. She organises conferences, award dinners, corporate parties, product launches and exhibitions. This means that historically she is pretty quiet professionally during the summer and at Christmas when big corporate events are few and far between.

‘Because of this I had been thinking about opening a party planning business,’ says Claire. ‘I would be able to use my skills, contacts and suppliers to run smaller private parties and events. It’s something I had always wanted to do, it fitted in with my main career but it was just making the time to get it organised.’

Famous last words, as they say. Covid hit and Claire’s corporate work vanished overnight. ‘The whole industry just shut down as obviously every event was cancelled.’ But every cloud has a silver lining and it gave Claire more time to plan her private party business.

‘Whilst doing some research for a client I came across lots of horse box bars which got

me thinking that a mobile bar could be a good add on for my party planning business.

Then one day I came across a converted Ape, a gorgeous fun little three wheeler which I knew was perfect. So we started looking for one. There were lots for sale that had already been converted which weren’t quite what I wanted. Then I found Pops who was made in the 1990s, needed a bit of tlc, and he was only up the road in Huntingdon; sold!’

Claire has an ace up her sleeve when it comes to small Italian vehicles. Her husband Matt owns Rockingham cars in Corby which, of course is a Fiat dealership, and had a lot of

contacts. Within three months this little van, which is an adaptation of the Piaggio Vesta scooter, had been converted into Pops, a high end tiny bar that produces prosecco and beer on tap. I’ve met Pops and I can tell you he’s definitely masculine.

He’s already been out to several small garden parties, (within the guidelines) and can serve 160 glasses of prosecco and up to 80 pints of beer. Claire will usually go with Pops so she can serve the drinks but, as regulations ease, you may well be able to serve yourself. nd ops offers a good supply of locally sourced gins too.

Claire has other plans for Pop too. She is working with a local caterer to develop an afternoon tea and fi pac age and a gra ing box. Pops can also be booked for children’s parties where he will serve hot chocolate and cupcakes. He’s pretty versatile is old Pops!

And as he’s really rather small he can go inside as well. As long as you have a double door with no steps and the height to allow him to open his lift up doors he’s happy anywhere; particularly in barns, marquees and ga ebos.

Pops can be driven, but he’s rather slow so will normally arrive on the back of a trailer as he has a tiny engine, just 50cc (hence the model name). Thankfully for Claire business is picking up again in the corporate world and Pops is getting booked up too; I’m looking forward to getting better acquainted with him. Prices start at £500. Get in touch with laire to find out more. www.popeventsco.uk @popeventsco (Instagram)

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W AT E R , W AT E R E VE RY W H E R E Stamford, Rutland and Leicestershire are landlocked; we all know that, but there’s plenty of water available for us all to be able to indulge our love for watersports

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Watersports

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E MIGHT NOT be able to paddle in the sea where we live but that doesn’t mean we can’t indulge a love of watersports. o, we won’t be able to live life on the ocean waves but we have enough inland reservoirs, la es and rivers to en oy a vast range of watersports to the full or even ust wile away a sunny afternoon dipping our toes in the water.

WA L K I N G O N WAT E R Tyro Lisa has a go at water skiing allington la es ust outside Stamford covers acres of what used to be gravel pits but you’d never now that now. here are spring fed la es that are interlin ed and beautifully landscaped. s well as offering ust about every watersport you can thin of ranging from the fast and furious water s iing and wa e boarding to the calm of S , you can even raft build, the la es have lu ury la eside lodges and lifestyle homes that are available to buy or rent. nd don’t forget the swimming pool, bar and restaurant. nd that’s ust the summer sports.

But we’re not moving in this wee we are going to water ski. Tallington has been renowned for its waterskiing for many years and many top class s iers train and s i here. here is a tournament standard la e and even a ump. But for us, let’s learn to s i first.

Lisa has always fancied a go at water s iing so umped at the chance when allington invited us. ’ve never done it before and it’s something I always thought I’d try one day when on holiday. Seeing as a holiday is probably uite a long way off, and would never go and do it on my own, thought ’ve been given the chance so ’ll ta e it. t was also a good challenge and out of my comfort zone. It’s time to fight the fear.’

We might not be able to go on holiday but the weather Lisa had for her skiing lesson was as good as any sunny Mediterranean day. Flaming June at its best! Charlotte was to be Lisa’s instructor. She is a ualified water s i, wa e board and wa e surf instructor. She had set the speed boat up with a bar for Lisa to use as this ma es it a lot easier for a novice because the bar is solid and it’s much easier to eep your arms straight. beginner’s session on the bar allows you si goes. o be able to s i you need good upper and lower body strength, balance and endurance it’s a tiring sport. t loo s easy and being towed behind a boat you imagine the boat does all the work for you; well let’s find out. harlotte initially fitted Lisa with some s is and recommended she dip them into the water to ma e them easier to get on and off. She then did a dry run with Lisa on the dec passing her a handle to practice with. t sounds very simple nees to the chest, heels to bottom, arms straight and allow yourself to pop out of the water. nd eep those arms straight all of the time. f you fall, let go.’

But of course, however easy some people ma e it loo , actually doing it yourself can be uite different. nd now it was time to get in the water. Lisa has never snow s ied either so wearing s is was completely alien and they felt very unwieldy. She would not describe herself as a

natural water baby either. But she gamely slid in to the water from the deck as instructed by Charlotte and swam out to the end of the bar.

Lisa’s first attempt was a total wipe out, as was to be e pected really. nd then it was the rigmarole of retrieving s is, putting them on again and all whilst recovering from uite a dumping. er second attempt she almost did it and by her third she was up and away and s ied the full length of the la e before tiring so falling. er e cited shrie and big grin said it all; Lisa was skiing and she’d made it look remarkably easy! hen pic ing her up this time, because she hadn’t totally wiped out but had fallen uite elegantly, she had managed to be near her s is so could retrieve them herself and put them bac on. t’s nice to see the scenery,’ was not a comment you e pected to hear from someone learning to s i but it obviously showed she was uite rela ed and had time to loo around her. Lisa then s ied up the la e and then bac again, getting up both times without mishap and loo ing very comfortable. So it loo ed li e it was time to abandon the bar and try a rope pull. But that’s a story for another day…

Once Lisa was safely back on dry land she was asked how she felt hen first got in the water did wonder what on earth ’d got myself into as was struggling to even get near the boat with the s is on. fter the first pull, which went completely wrong and hadn’t really nown what to e pect, it made more sense what harlotte had said so decided that had to ust go for it. he second pull it was starting to come together and then once I realised the importance of eeping my arms straight was away and it felt really comfortable. loved it when was up. didn’t love falling in the water so much though nd it’s absolutely e hausting. t’s most tiring fa ng around with the s is and then being pulled out of the water. But the feeling of being towed on skis was fabulous, whilst saying to myself can do this ’ www.tallington.com

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GONE FISHING Mary tries her hand at fly fishing at Eyebrook reservoir Standing waist high in freezing cold water for hours on end to try and catch a fish does not appeal, have to admit. But sitting on a boat on a warm une day, casting my y in the hope of catching my supper that sounds much more li e it.

So when the opportunity arose to go out with fishing guide ic unn at yebroo who would try and teach me to cast well that was too good a chance to miss. ic who owns anatical ly ishing has competed for ngland si times and captained the team once, so his e pert guidance was ust what needed. yebroo reservoir in utland is a very pretty spot. t was completed in built to supply water to the steel wor s in orby it covers about acres and is not far from ppingham. t is a renowned spot as the ambusters in their Lancasters led by uy ibson, used the reservoir to practice for their bombing raids on ermany. t must have been uite a sight for the local residents, and rather noisy. he day arrived at yebroo was perfect for fishing warm, overcast with a slight bree e causing some ripples and the water not too warm yet. pparently trout li e cold water so the warmer the weather gets the further into the middle of the la e they go, where the water is deeper and colder. nd if it’s very bright sunlight they won’t ta e ies

on the surface as they don’t li e the glare. ic had spo en to the staff at the fishing lodge before arrived, something you should always do,’ as ing them where the fish were they are always the ones in the now. hey pointed us in the right direction so off we headed in the boat. ic then let the boat drift and started my lesson. ic used a daddy longlegs y which he had tied himself and showed me how to cast. e made it loo very easy and effortless. t’s all about techni ue, nothing to do with power,’ he told me. he heavy green line was used as the weight to cast the y out which is on the end of the line. nd it’s all about the line speed. f you get speed into the line you can then propel it forwards out in front of you about yards or so, or much further if you are an e pert. etting the bac cast right is the ey to successful casting,’ says ic . ell he’s obviously right, but easier said than done in my e perience. ou need to feed the line through your left hand whilst eeping your right elbow close to your body and your wrist sturdy. t’s the forearm and shoulder that do the wor . nce you get your y out in the water you can then s ate it along, the fish love that apparently. nd if nothing happens in about seconds you start all over again. t all sounds very simple, and ic made it loo so, but can assure you it isn’t. But it is very satisfying when you get it right and frustrating when you don’t. e could see the fish were nearby uic ly learnt to recognise the signs of a fish surfacing, but they weren’t ta ing the y. So we moved to another spot which had been recommended. his time we were nearer the ban , upwind and slightly sheltered where it was less bree y, so used the anchor. e’ll definitely catch something here,’ said ic with great

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Watersports

“The day I arrived at Eyebrook was perfect for fishing; warm, overcast with a slight breeze.”

confidence. t’s wise, particularly for a beginner li e me to cast with the wind behind you, so that is what we were doing. e both carried on using the daddy longlegs y with no luc so ic changed tactics. e changed his y because he realised the fish were feeding in a different way, swishing underneath the surface of the water rather than coming up for the y. So he changed to his pin fry y which he had invented. nd on the second cast he caught one ic played the fish, again ma ing it loo easy before bringing it close enough to catch it in his net. e were using barbless hoo s as we would be catching and releasing the fish. his means that ic could very easily unhoo the trout without causing any harm. was very impressed with the good si ed rainbow trout it was a beautiful fish which we then released so it swam away to be caught another day or not. e carried on fishing with ic convinced we would now catch plenty me being told too uic , eep your arm in, more force bac casting,’ but thoroughly en oying it. ventually got to well it wasn’t awful,’ praise indeed here is nothing better than being out on a boat with no one around you listening to the odd cuc oo, watching the red ites and hearing the fish splashing around you. ell that was frustrating to be honest as they were all around us

but were not ta ing the bait so to spea . ish are capricious have decided. couple of times they came right up near my y but would then change their mind and not ta e it.

Maybe they are cleverer than you thin . onditions were perfect for fishing but today was not to be our day. ic lost another one, didn’t even get a nibble.

But did not mind at all. thoroughly en oyed my three hours on the water trying my best to perfect the art of casting. nd hope did improve did actually get a that was a nice cast,’ from ic , praise indeed and what a way to finish. t’s called fishing not catching for a reason,’ said ic . nd he’s right, there’s no guarantees with fishing.

Sometimes it’s down to s ill, other times it’s ust down to the way the fish feel on the day. s we returned to the lodge we could see that the other boats out weren’t catching fish either. So today it was ish Mary and was happy with that.

Thank you to Nick from Fanatical Fly Fishing for introducing me to the fine art of fly fishing and to Eyebrook for lending us the boat and supplying me with a permit. www.fanatical-flyfishing.uk www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk

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Paddlesports • Sailing • Open Water Swimming • Camping • Cycle Hire • Boat Trips • Land Activities

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Watersports

S W I M M I N G W IT H THE FISHES Which one of us was going to go open water swimming? Mary reveals all Open water swimming is exactly what it says; swimming outside usually in a large expanse of water such as a lake or reservoir or even the sea. he benefits are obvious, being outside and at one with nature and it is mentally challenging as well as physically. he disadvantages, you are in open, cold water and there is an element of ris involved. You also need to be a competent swimmer as you are obviously out of your depth.

So which one of us was going to have a go at it? Lisa had offered but unfortunately an in ury meant she couldn’t do it. So it was between me and Kate; well I pulled rank (age and incompetence) so it was down to Kate; although she wasn’t particularly een having swum rather too close to a snake the last time she went wild swimming.

Nene Outdoors at Ferry Meadows in Nene Park in eterborough had indly invited us to oin them for one of their evening open water swimming sessions which they hold every hursday starting in May through until, usually, early October. Up to 40 swimmers can swim in the session which runs between 5.30 and 7pm. It costs £5.50.

Ferry Meadows was created in the 1960s when Peterborough was being extensively developed. Someone had the foresight to suggest creating a country park including lakes from the gravel pits that had been dug to build the parkways that criss-cross the city. Now well established with beautiful landscaping this amenity is very popular in the area.

The swim is very well organised and popular with many regulars coming every week. The course is a 400m circuit

that is patrolled by a safety boat and a kayak based spotter.

Swimmers are required to all swim in the same direction and can complete the course as many times as they like.

There is a shorter course of 200m as well. Every swimmer must use a tow oat provided that is bright orange and everyone must wear a brightly coloured swim hat.

Swimmers are advised to wear a wetsuit and this is compulsory for those under 16. Swimmers must be able to swim 1000m unaided in a pool. e arrived at the la e on an overcast, muggy, evening with thunderstorms forecast. This meant there was a likelihood that the swimmers would have to be evacuated from the water as lightning on open water is very dangerous ust to up the pressure on poor ate a bit more.

We were told that the water temperature was a balmy 19 degrees. ate duly donned her wetsuit, goggles and tow oat and headed to the la e. was way out of my comfort one and uite nervous. ’m a confident swimmer but it’s a big la e. ’ve only swum in rivers before so this was going to be very different.’ nd off she went.

We imagined there was going to be a throng of swimmers all diving in at the same time churning up the water li e a triathlon, which ate was dreading, but it was nothing like that. Swimmers arrived individually or in pairs and quietly got in the water to swim. There was plenty of space and it all looked very relaxed and comfortable. hey were a friendly bunch of all genders, ages and abilities. Whilst Kate was in the water there must have been 20 others in as well but as the course is so large there were no bottlenecks. fter completing the m course ate emerged out of the water beaming she’d loved it. really en oyed it. t felt very relaxed with no pressure to swim fast or anything like that and I loved being in the open water. I did struggle at first as found my wetsuit made me uite buoyant so found it hard to get my breathing right. But once ’d sorted that out really started to en oy myself. he water was the perfect temperature. feel that ’ve had some e ercise and ne t time would happily go round twice, that would really challenge me. ’m really glad did it as was completely out of my comfort one but it’s good to push yourself. felt completely safe and than fully there was no lightning, but it did add that e tra frisson of e citement.’ he hardest part utting my hat on ’ Nene Outdoors Watersports and Activity Centre offers many different watersports including sailing, SUP, kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing, rowing boats and pedalo hire and, of course, open water swimming. On land there is climbing and archery. They also offer group activities and a holiday club.

To find out more email neneoutdoors@neneparktrust.org.uk www.nenepark.org.uk

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S TA N D A N D D E L I V E R Noticing that more and more people are taking up SUP, Kate Maxim wanted to have a go herself I’ve just been touring the east coast of Scotland and glimpsed numerous people in little coves and harbours gliding along on their stand up paddleboards (SUP). And our designer Gary often waxes lyrical about how much fun it is, so I decided to have a go.

Dave Loseby from Nene Extreme Adventures has been operating from Oundle Wharf for the last six years and has seen SUP gradually grow in popularity. Primarily a company that specialises in boat hire (canoes and kayaks), he now hires out paddleboards too. People of all ages and abilities take them out either in groups of friends, as a family or to oat off on their own for a slice of peace and quiet.

I picked the perfect morning; I’m sure sunny weather helps, but imagine even on a cloudy day the effect is still the same. Standing up on the board you are higher than in a boat so you can see further, right over the hedgerows. The day I went it was baking hot with barely a breeze. We saw loads of water lilies, beautiful dragon ies, duc s, a

multitude of fish, gorgeous cows in the meadows ne t to the Nene and we startled a prehistoric heron.

I’m sure some people would enjoy the challenge of seeing how far and how fast they could go on a board within the allotted time but, for me, the beauty of SUP is how serene you feel. Once you’ve mastered the technique, of course! I wouldn’t say I mastered it, as such; in fact the logic of it slightly escaped me. Apparently you are supposed to only use the paddle on one side and, using a ic turn techni ue while the paddle is still in the water, you keep the board going straight.

Once I’d stopped overthinking it and decided it was acceptable to swap hands every once in a while to get myself back on track, then I was much better. And I found it easier to stand up than to kneel down. After quite a long while I lost slight feeling in my feet, having not dared to move them around on the board, so I knelt down again for the last stretch and realised how much more confident felt than on the way out.

I’d worn a swimming costume and quick drying clothes and had even taken a hairbrush, so convinced I was I’d fall in. But no, not on this occasion. Dave’s instruction was clear, calm and friendly and felt confident was in good hands.

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Watersports

Nene Extreme run holiday clubs with river-based activities in the morning and activities such as climbing, bushcraft and archery in the afternoons. Birthday parties are also very popular and, of course, it’s ideal for family excursions. There’s a craft to suit every age and ability from single manned kayaks, to the larger canoes that seat 3-4 people and then the paddleboards, so no-one needs to feel left out. Generally people hire the boards for 1-2 hours at a time and it’s 35 minutes either way from Oundle Wharf to the locks at Cotterstock or Ashton. All day hire is also popular so you can take your time, enjoy a picnic on the banks of the river then drop in to the Tap and Kitchen at the wharf when you finish. ou can also arrange to be pic ed up at certain points along the river if you didn’t want to retrace your steps.

Having hankered after having a go for a while, I’m so glad I did; it more than measured up to my expectations.

Although paddleboarding on the sea must be a totally different story. nd at per hour to hire, you don’t need to wait for an excuse, or friends to do some watersports, you can ust fit it into your lunch brea For full details visit www.neneextreme.co.uk

CEO of charity takes to her paddle board

“Standing up on the board you are higher than in a boat so you can see further, right over the hedgerows.”

Someone else who has been taking to the water is Dr Emma Egging CEO of Lincolnshire based youth charity the Jon Egging’s Trust (JET). She completed a half marathon along the River Witham from Newark to Lincoln on a SUP as part of JET’s 10 year anniversary JET10 fundraising campaign.

The paddle board challenge came shortly after it was announced that Emma had been awarded an OBE for services to young people. www.joneggingtrust.org.uk

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Watersports

THERE ARE PLENTY OF OT H E R WAT E R S P O R T S I N T H E A R E A TO T RY

In the centre of the county we have Rutland Water of course where you can have a go at canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, windsurfing or dinghy sailing.

For equipment hire and junior and adult courses you can choose between Rutland Watersports and the Rutland Sailing lub. www.rutlandsailingclub.co.uk www.anglianwaterparks.co.uk/rutland-water-park/ watersports Aquapark Rutland is back again this year for adults and children over years old. re boo ing online is essential to avoid disappointment. www.aquaparkgroup.co.uk/rutland/

For a more peaceful activity there’s the Rutland Belle which cruises round the lake taking in the sights and sounds of life on the la e. ou can also ta e a guided dawn or evening cruise for the best chance of spotting an osprey. www.rutlandwatercruises.com/osprey-cruises/

nd a little further afield there is anoe based at ushden La es offering canoe and aya hire along the iver ene. hey offer hour, half day and one day hire up to four day adventures. ou can stay overnight in local B Bs and hotels; take your own tent or even experience ‘champing’ overnight in an ancient church. our baggage is transferred along the way and you’re picked up at the end of your trip so you’re only paddling downstream! www.canoe2.co.uk

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Lift your heart and shift your soul There is so much to experience at Ragdale from the moment you step through the glass doors, and Kate and Mary made the most of it

M

ARY AND I were lucky enough to stay overnight at Ragdale recently and sample the refurbished gym and fitness studios. ormally when go to agdale tend to concentrate on the rela ation side of things head straight for the pool and thermal spa, then try and sit in as many different rooms as possible reading my book, drinking tea and watching the world go by. do tend to try one, at a push two, fitness classes but if ’m honest generally choose the wind down classes at the end of the day. his time wanted to focus my attention on moving around a little more and trying some of the new signature classes that are bespoke to agdale. he idea is that when you enter the new eart and Soul itness space the instructors will help you find that e tra drive and inspire you to go that extra mile so that you leave with more of an idea of how much you can achieve if you put your heart and soul into it. ell, Mary and were prepared to give it a go Bearing in mind ’ve become a tad more sluggish over loc down, we decided to go for five classes in total over the hour period we were there. e wanted a taste of the different types of classes on offer, which are divided into cardio, strength, dance, mindful and water classes. e started with Musical Madness where we learnt a se uence of dance steps to the tune of Footloose under some seriously

impressive lighting while in fits of laughter. e’d both forgotten how much fun exercise classes can be, but also how much of a memory challenge they are. hy is it so hard to remember the beginning of the se uence, while you’re practicing the chorus aving given our cognitive abilities a work-out we moved on to Pilates which was strenuous in a different way. feel as though my core has not been so engaged’ for many a month. hese are small movements but are still demanding and highly effective in improving your posture and e ibility. hat li ed so much about all the classes we too was the advice given by the instructors as to how to incorporate these lessons in everyday life. oc ing bac wards and forwards on your feet while cleaning your teeth does wonders for your balance apparently.

We then moved on to WAVE which is one of the new signature classes fusing yoga, ilates and contemporary dance. s loise added more adaptations to the ow towards the end of the class must admit did start to struggle slightly but it was my third class of the day and overall wal ed away feeling rather en with all my muscles stronger and longer than when wal ed in. inally we did a Stretch to ela class which obviously helped to soothe those tired muscles. nd boy, did we feel a sense of achievement we’d definitely wor ed hard enough to deserve a relaxing facial and back massage before heading to the delightful new Twilight Bar for a cocktail then a slap up three

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Active life

course dinner in the restaurant.

We got the impression there were more people coming in small groups treating themselves to a long, luxurious spa retreat perhaps in lieu of a holiday abroad. And why wouldn’t you? You have endless classes and treatments on tap, a beautiful 25 metre pool and the thermal spa with all the different heat and water rooms to choose from. nd since it was built in the rooftop infinity pool has certainly become one of my favourite spots. You can see for miles from up there and I love the way modern additions to Ragdale have managed to blend in over the years with the original, highly distinctive building.

It wasn’t great weather when we visited which was such as shame as we didn’t take advantage of the outdoor pool or extensive gardens but we noticed the increase in outdoor seating areas, which are being made ready for more outdoor dining. The food is absolutely delicious, and far more plentiful than was presumably on offer in when Slimming Maga ine first turned it into a spa. aving previously been a hall dedicated to country pursuits, nowadays the main pursuit at Ragdale is relaxation, luxury and spending quality time with friends and family. We met numerous people who have been coming for the

“Finally we did a Stretch to Relax class which obviously helped to soothe those tired muscles. And boy, did we feel a sense of achievement.” last 20 years for a few nights each summer plus an extra top up during the winter months. bviously things are slightly different at the moment with some Covid restrictions still in place; you don’t get the friendly handshake from your therapist before your treatment, and you have to book a time slot in the thermal spa and in the infinity pool. But the upside of that is you feel e tremely ovid secure, and the staff, as usual, couldn’t be more supportive.

After a good night’s sleep - we were out for the count after such a busy day – we started the next morning with the LIFT strengthening class. Mary used to lift weights in her gym before lockdown but hasn’t managed to get back to it yet, but I’d never used a barbell before. Let me just say the muscles in my shoulders and legs are still aching, days after the event. I have been inspired to have a go on my son’s weights at home though as I want to improve my muscle mass to help boost my metabolism but also to tone up. Staring at yourself for three hours in a studio mirror is quite the incentive!

For full details and prices of spa days and stays visit www.ragdalehall.co.uk

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LI F E

MAN

E YOU R AG

We’ve got you covered What has a missing finger, a bakery shop front, an aeronautical machine and a murder got in common? The correct insurance cover, and Kate Maxim went to find out more

W

E ALL PAY money each month for our cars, house, business and travel insurance in the hope we’ll never have to use it. So what is the point of insurance? I put that question to Simon Drysdale, director of Hallsdale Insurance Brokers Ltd. n a nutshell, it’s for peace of mind. or a small amount of money, paid monthly or yearly, you transfer a ris from one party to another so that you’re not in the situation where you’re going to lose everything. Your house insurance may cost anything from per year, depending on how big your house, is but compare that with the cost of rebuilding your house of , to £2 million. A house is probably the biggest purchase any of us are going to ma e so why wouldn’t you want to protect it?

‘Insurance is always about putting you bac to where you were before the incident.

No less than what you had and not

‘betterment.’ Although if legislation changes and we aim to build more e cient houses, then you do get better.

I know situations where someone has paid their premium each month and then found out that their insurance wasn’t valid when it came to the claim. Why would that be?

‘The devil is in the detail with regards to the wording. It’s very important the wording fits your circumstances to ma e sure a claim is paid. e’re an independent bro er so we wor for the client to find the most appropriate policy for their circumstance. e ascertain where the house is, what type and the goods within it. e find out the full circumstances of the individual in person or over the phone. The postcode is important as it may show if they live in a ood or subsidence area. e ta e all that information and present it to a number of insurers and get the best protection for our

customers. rice is important, but it’s not the be all or end all. f, for e ample, someone has a collection of records or teddy bears, normal household insurance wouldn’t necessarily cover that properly. When we’ve had the discussion about the collection then we build that into the policy and ma e sure the insurance company nows about it. hat’s often the issue with claims: the insurance company don’t now so when a loss ad uster finds something he’s not e pecting, the insurer may use that to say they’re not covering all or part of the claim.

The Insurance Act 2015 changed everything so now the onus is bac on the individual to ma e a fair and reasonable presentation of facts to the insurer. If you use an online site you often don’t spea to someone. Unfortunately there’s a huge problem with under-insurance where people loo round their house and say

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MANAGE YOUR LIFE

they’ve only got £10,000 worth of goods.

They may estimate their old sofa at £100 but to replace it would cost £2,500.

‘A whopping 50-60% of houses in the UK are underinsured. It’s very important to get the valuation right, because if you say your house is worth, for argument’s sake, £100,00 to rebuild and you have a fire, and the loss adjuster says it will take £200,000 to rebuild, they won’t even give you the £100,00 you’re insured for. They will give you 50% because you’ve only insured 50% so that’s £50,000 and you’re £150,000 short. Our recommendation is to get your property valued every five years. t may cost you to do that, but it’s worth doing.’

Apart from household insurance, what else is important?

‘We do a lot of business insurance, anything from a one-man band like painters and decorators to large factories and logistics companies. It’s vital you get the business description correct. I was asked to quote on a stress company; they sent me their current policy which was an o ce and surgeries policy and I thought it would be people having massages and taking mindfulness classes. When I arrived I saw huge bits of machinery with an aero engine in the middle of the oor and they were stressing metals to breaking point. They’d previously done their insurance online and it had been assumed it was an o ce policy which was totally incorrect, and wouldn’t cover them in the event of a claim.

‘When you do get it right, it’s very satisfying. ne horrific e ample was a bakery where people were queueing to be served when two men came in and shot one of the customers. The fall out was immense for the baker, who had nothing to do with it.

They were closed down for a long time and it damaged the reputation of the shop as people didn’t want to go in because of what had happened. The insurance company paid for damage to the shop and as there was business interruption cover they also paid for the loss of profit too.

‘And public liability is also important. As soon as someone walks onto your property it’s your responsibility that they’re safe. So if the postman trips on your doorstep he can sue you. Everyone has public liability under their house insurance which covers a whole raft of things. Recently I had a case where a consultant was at a small business for a meeting and was given a cup of coffee which he promptly spilled all over a computer. It happened to be the server that operated the whole business and it was out for over a week. The consultant was held responsible but as he had public liability insurance, he was covered. nother e ample is a ba ery where a

'You can insure for anything and everything - there’s always stories of dancers and footballers insuring their legs - but you have to look at the cost and decide if it’s worth it.'

regular customer left on a very cold day. As the door catch was broken it slammed behind him in the wind. he ne t customer came in and pointed out what he thought was a sausage on the doorstep. It was actually the old man’s finger but he was so cold he hadn’t felt it being ta en off by the door. They chased the man down the street, an ambulance was called and it was sewn back on at hospital. There was a claim made against the shop as the door was unsafe but they were covered under public liability.

‘And in a shop that didn’t allow dogs, the owners, who were leaseholders, put lots of hooks outside for them. One day a motorbike went by and scared all the dogs that were tied up. hey ran off pulling the whole shop window out, smashing the glass. The owner of the building had made them responsible for the glass but luckily they had that covered.

‘A good broker will ask the right questions and recommend the correct type of policy and suggest appropriate add-ons.

The downside is you may pay more money but you’ll be protecting your biggest assets.

I see the devastation claims can cause; it can destroy livelihoods and relationships if you don’t get it right.

‘Having a broker is an ongoing

relationship which adapts to change. You get continuity as you deal with the same people. You just pick up the phone and there are no silly questions! If you are thinking about a change of lifestyle or a purchase then call us. f someone is planning an e tension, for e ample, they should tell us because you could be ta ing the bac wall off your house. Phone your broker and they will inform the insurance company. You don’t want to give them the opportunity to turn a claim down. Ninety-nine per cent of the time they’ll not add onerous criteria regarding security, or put your premiums up. And it means they can’t then say they weren’t aware of it if there’s a problem like someone with a hot torch burning the house down.

‘You can insure for anything and everything - there’s always stories of dancers and footballers insuring their legs - but you have to look at the cost and decide if it’s worth it. A chat with a broker who can help you navigate your way through reams of policy documents will help you make an informed decision and hopefully give you peace of mind.’ www.hallsdale.co.uk

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W I L L’ S W A L K

Little Bytham and Holywell This is a gentle stroll through a calm corner of southwest Lincolnshire.

By Will Hetherington

Images: Will Hetherington

The West Glen river in Little Bytham.

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Will’s Walk

Difficulty rating TH E ROUTE

I parked on Station Road in Little Bytham to start the walk in a westward direction down Church Lane. You will immediately have the West Glen river for company as you saunter down this peaceful village track, and you will pass the pretty footbridge by a ford on your right. Keep heading west and you will soon enter the north east corner of a field. he footpath now curves round to a southerly direction, but there is a permissive path around the perimeter of the field, which you may want to ta e to e tend the wal . f not then stay on the footpath and soon pass under the old railway bridge before a very gradual climb as you continue south. ou will go through a small field and then two larger ones before arriving at Lodge Farm where a sign will direct you around the tennis court for easier passage. Once past Lodge Farm you start to get a sense of the ancient charm of tiny Holywell in its natural bowl. Skirt the side of the wood as you descend the hill and pass Hollow Cottages in a scene straight from an Enid Blyton book. Walk up the hill and you will soon join the road on the northern edge of Holywell.

From here walk down the road over the bridge and turn left to take a loo at the la e before retracing your steps. o return to Little Bytham you can go bac e actly the same way you came, or one field after Lodge arm on the way bac you will see another permissive footpath. If you take the right turn here it will quickly take you through some small fields before reaching the road ACTIVE INFO A permissive footpath is not fortuitously close to the Willoughby Arms, a public right of way. It is a path specialising in real ales and a warm welcome. clearly signed as permissive that a rom here it’s only five minutes bac to your landowner allows the public to use. car.

This may be for walkers, riders, cyclists, or any combination.

However there is no statutory right of access.

The church of St Medard and St Gildard in Little Bytham.

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Will’s Walks

START/ FINISH Little Bytham.

Essential information WHERE TO PARK On Station Road in Little Bytham just by the bridge over the West Glen river.

DISTANCE AND TIME Four miles/an hour and a half.

©CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020 ORDNANCE SURVEY. MEDIA 040/20.

HIGHLIGHTS The pretty West Glen river in Little Bytham and the charming setting of Holywell. Plus the overall serenity of the whole walk.

LOWLIGHTS It’s not a loop but the permissive footpaths add variety and allow for a different way back into Little Bytham.

REFRESHMENT The Willoughby Arms in Little Bytham.

DIFFICULTY RATING Two paws. There’s nothing challenging here.

THE POOCH PERSPECTIVE The West Glen is dog paradise and it’s mostly arable although there will always be sheep around Holywell.

For your own safety and navigation make sure you have an OS map with you when you go out walking. You won’t regret it.

Hollow Cottages at Holywell.

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W I L L’ S W A L K

Launde Abbey and Withcote Hall If serenity is what you seek then the peaceful surroundings of the Abbey will deliver on this walk through the rolling hills of east Leicestershire.

By Will Hetherington

Images: Will Hetherington

Descending into the Chater valley.

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Will’s Walk Launde Abbey - as peaceful as it gets.

Difficulty rating TH E ROUTE

There is a handy small layby at the western end of the wonderfully named The Wisp, the straight road which runs south-west from Braunston. There’s only room for two or three cars but it’s a good starting point for this walk. Otherwise there is parking at Launde Abbey if you are a customer. I parked at the end of The Wisp so the instructions start from there.

There are three path options here but you need to take the bridleway which heads south down the wide lane to a small piece of woodland, with superb views along the way, before a short climb.

When you get to the next fork in the road turn left, but make sure you stay on the bridleway here and don’t take the extreme left turn. You will soon come to a gateway where you continue ACTIVE INFO heading east, and then take the right hand turn in the next Launde Abbey is an field boundary to turn south and steeply down hill. ou will Elizabethan manor house in pass through a lovely piece of woodland near the bottom of an idyllic setting in the Chater the hill, before continuing gradually down through the next valley, and it is a residential field and then turning right at the bottom and oining the retreat for peaceful overnight Leicestershire Round for a while. You will soon cross the stays, with a popular hater as the path ma es its pretty way ust to the north of restaurant and daytime Launde ar ood and, after another couple of fields, brings café. you out on the uiet road ust above Launde bbey. his really is one of the most beautiful spots in the whole area and is well worth a closer look. The café is open from 10am to 5pm every day so you might want to pop in before completing your walk.

To resume the route head north on the Leicestershire Round which goes from the cattle grid in front of the Abbey. You will cross the Chater again and then go up and over a mound in the next hill before descending to Withcote Hall. From here there are two options to get bac to your car. too the first which is longer and involves retracing your steps in the final stages. his goes past venue arm, through Cottage Farm and then there is a steep climb to the north east of Withcote Lodge. From the top of the climb there are stunning views and bac to the car from here is the same route as the first minutes of the walk. The second option from Withcote Hall, which you can see easily on the OS map, is much quicker but has a similarly steep climb.

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Discover more at an Open Event We are a high-achieving independent co-educational boarding, flexi-boarding and day school situated in the heart of safe rural Rutland. Oakham School offers the ideal environment for boys and girls aged between 10 to 18 to learn, grow and thrive in the modern world.

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To find out more join us at one of our Open Events, visit our website or contact us on 01572 758758 admissions@oakham.rutland.sch.uk https://www.oakham.rutland.sch.uk/admissions/ arrange-a-visit @OakhamSch

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Will’s Walks Stunning countryside and wide open paths await you here.

Essential information WHERE TO PARK Either at the western end of The Wisp or at Launde Abbey if you are going to be a customer there.

DISTANCE AND TIME Five miles/one hour and 45 minutes.

HIGHLIGHTS This is peak rolling Leicestershire countryside with a blend of farmland and woods providing endless beautiful views.

Launde Abbey is a stunning building in an equally stunning setting LOWLIGHTS There are no villages but I’m not sure that’s really a lowlight.

REFRESHMENTS The Launde Abbey café is open from 10am to 5pm every day or there is the Blue Ball pub in Braunston.

START/ FINISH

DIFFICULTY RATING Three paws. It’s a medium length walk with some steep sections.

THE POOCH PERSPECTIVE You will find some livestock on the route but it’s largely arable and the Chater crossings provide some fresh water.

For your own safety and navigation make sure you have an OS map with you when you go out walking. You won’t regret it. ©CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020 ORDNANCE SURVEY. MEDIA 040/20.

This corner of east Leicestershire is largely unspoilt.

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Active Kids E DI T E D BY M A RY BR E M N E R

Well done Cole THANKS TO THE support of Recare and an all-terrain Trekinetic wheelchair, Cole Ricketts who is 16 and a student at Manor High School, Oadby, has been able to complete his Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition.

Cole has been a high-achieving GCSE pupil who plans to study maths, further maths, physics and computer science at A-Level. As with all GCSE students, the last 18 months have been challenging for Cole, exacerbated by ongoing medical tests for a tumour on his knee. He had been advised not to walk long distances until a diagnosis has been made. This meant he would not be able to complete his forthcoming Silver Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award expedition. A three-day hike was planned as the final stage of the award scheme however, this was in jeopardy until the idea of borrowing Cole an all-terrain wheelchair became a reality.

The DofE team at the school decided to see if they could make it wor and an all terrain wheelchair was suggested. But first they had to ask the students in Cole’s group if they were up for pushing him in a wheelchair – they were and saw it as another exciting challenge to overcome. ecare indly offered to loan, for free, a state of the art wheelchair which is agile, responsive and easy to push through mud and over rocks, so it was perfect. The three-day expedition took place around Thornton Reservoir, Ticknall, Calke Abbey and Staunton Harold Reservoir.

The end result for Cole and his friends couldn’t have worked out better. hen they finished day three they were plastered in mud but all with smiles on their faces. Thank you to everyone who helped Cole complete the expedition.

Live music is back OAKHAM SCHOOL IS delighted to announce that live music has returned. There is an array of concerts planned for the school and the wider community including the weekly Music at Lunchtime which takes place every Wednesday at All Saint’s church.

Looking beyond the Summer holidays, a much fuller programme of performances will resume from September, with details appearing in the School’s Arts Calendar which can be viewed online at https://bit.ly/oakhamartscalendar

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Active Kids

My future OAK FOUNDED BY ALUN Meadows, an experienced teacher, coach and mentor, My future OAKs club is a daily holiday club run from Whissendine sports centre which delivers a range of fun activities that encourages play, creativity and builds confidence whilst focusing on developing core values in young people. Aimed at 5-11 year olds the aim is to get in touch with nature, encourage open minds, spark creativity and develop skills for their future.

A future Oak is your young person, who with lots of support, direction and life experiences can grow up strong in mind and in body to become a well rounded character. www.myfutureoak.com

Churchill Summer Camps CHURCHILL SUMMER CAMPS is a small family run business which ta es great pride in offering high uality childcare throughout school holidays, something they have been doing for nearly 30 years. They are delighted to be back up and running this year. hey offer a wide range of activities to help children gain confidence, ma e new friends and have a go’ at as many activities as possible that can be fitted into the wee . he emphasis at the camps is very much on having fun in a safe environment.

The camps are based at Stamford Junior School and The Peterborough School, both of which provide lots of space and excellent facilities. To book visit www.churchillsummercamps.co.uk or 01572 868304

Summer fun for all WITH THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS just around the corner and many people staying in the UK this year, Stamford Endowed Schools Enterprises is delighted to be launching a programme of holiday courses and camps for children aged from 7 to 16. Courses typically last a week and will cover a range of interests from art to drama and musical theatre plus circus skills and various sports.

Each course will be delivered by a team of professionals passionate and enthusiastic about their chosen field, and a number of

them will include a performance or display at the end of the week to give participants a chance to show their new skills to family and friends.

Highlights this summer include circus skills week along with drama and musical theatre weeks. There will be two separate art weeks and the every sports camp as well as a new hockey camp.

The courses and camps are open to all children attending any school, and will offer heaps of holiday fun!

For more information or to book, please see www.stamfordschools.org.uk/holiday-courses, email holiday-courses@ses.lincs.sch.uk or call 01780 484280

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ActiveBody E DI T E D BY K AT E M A X I M

The last man standing The male menopause does exist, Gary Trickett tells us more

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ECHNICALLY THERE IS such a thing as male menopause. It’s called andropause and it refers to age-related changes in male hormones, specifically testosterone. The symptoms associated with male menopause are also associated with testosterone deficiency.

Both menopause in women and andropause in men refer to a drop off in hormones – in women, oestrogen levels decline as ovaries reduce production; in men, testosterone levels decline. One of the ey differences is the speed in which they do this. In women the decline is sudden, occurring over a few years, normally from the age of 45 to 50. In men this decline is much more gradual, with hormones dropping off over several decades rather than years.

In theory, this gradual decline in testosterone means that symptoms of testosterone deficiency are much less severe than those associated with the female menopause. Also not every man will experience male menopause.

For those that do, there’s a good chance you may not recognise the symptoms for what they are; but if you’re feeling tired, irritable, depressed or are experiencing low libido or erectile dysfunction, your testosterone levels could be low. Other symptoms can include a drop in muscle mass, an increase in body fat, and thinning hair. f your symptoms are beginning to affect the quality of your life – for example, if reduced sexual function or libido is taking a toll on your relationship or causing depression – a doctor may prescribe a testosterone replacement. This can come in the form of a skin patch, capsule, gel or injection. But it is something you would need to discuss with your doctor as they will first want to measure your testosterone levels to see if this line of treatment might be suitable.

Some men may not be interested in

hormone replacement, just as many women are not keen on HRT. While there isn’t really any way to reverse the lowering of testosterone naturally, dietary changes and certain nutrients can help to manage symptoms.

Zinc is important for testosterone levels, so making sure you get plenty of this mighty mineral may help to support your testosterone levels. inc deficiency is fairly common in the modern world as intensive farming strips vital nutrients from the soil, so even if you’re eating well you may still be missing out. Nuts and seeds, pumpkin seeds especially, are great sources of zinc, or you could try a supplement.

If you’re experiencing high levels of stress try A Vogel’s Stress Relief Daytime. It combines Valerian and Hops and can be used for the temporary relief of symptoms associated with stress and mild an iety. assi ora and vena sativa are another herbal duo that may prove beneficial when used together.

For symptoms of low mood there’s St John’s Wort or Hypericum. Hypericum can take up to six weeks for best results and it can interact with other medications and affect the way they wor , so isn’t suitable for everyone. hec with your first if on prescribed medicines.

If you cannot take St John’s Wort you could try Jan de Vries Mood Essence, a combination of ower essences that may give support when it is di cult to stay positive. Taken regularly it aims to uplift and bring back an optimistic and enthusiastic outlook.

You should also look to support your health generally. You can do this by eating plenty of fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables, complex carbohydrates and wholegrains, healthy fats and lean sources of protein. Try to cut back on meat, dairy, processed foods and refined sugar.

And now more than ever, make sure you get plenty of exercise. Physical activity, such as cycling or even just a regular walk will help to whittle your waistline and keep stress, anxiety and low mood at bay.

For further advice on any aspect of men’s health, or even just a chat, visit Gary and his team at Healthy Route, 18 Silver Street, Leicester or call 0116 253 9097.

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ActiveBody

And lift!

It seems that exercising using weights could be the panacea for many of our woes. Physio Sarah Babbs tells us more

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F YOU HAVE had physiotherapy in recent years you may have noticed a change in the type of treatment you receive. Much of it will include heavier loaded exercises than before. There is an enormous body of research showing that training with some weight aids both recovery from many injuries and improves and maintains healthy bodies.

There is - as we know as we try to get lids off ars a lessening of strength as we age.

Some reports put this as high as 8% each decade after the age of 30. Sedentary and some pandemic lifestyles increase that and critical hospital stays have been shown to do so with a loss of 2% of muscle mass per day, which is quite shocking. Older people are hugely impacted by bone density loss, also found in vitamin deficiency, menopause and those with eating disorders while growing and laying down bone.

But there is good news. Exercise with weight at the appropriate level two to three times a week and muscle mass, strength, bone density and balance can be increased by everyone right through to their 10th decade.

(One study looking at people with an average age of 68 showed changes in tissue equating them, after six months, to that of 24 year olds.)

Exercise, particularly weight, or resistance training, as it is often called has been shown to improve physical health with reduction in obesity, diabetes type 2 and cardiovascular disease. There have been many studies on the impact of exercise on mental health, and resistance training does appear to improve many factors including depression, fatigue, chronic pain and for some, self esteem. reating runners and fitter people we may look at how many times they can repeat a sit to stand test on one leg, a single leg squat and bridge exercise performed lying down and lifting the bottom using one leg. For the older or less active we may look at grip strength and tests such as how many times in 30 seconds they can go from sitting to standing (both legs allowed here).

From this we are able to plan to help that person reach their goals. These may be walking downstairs in the morning without knee pain, or running faster in a race. raining can help those with arthritis put off a knee replacement for many months and

“Training with some weight aids both recovery from many injuries and improves and maintains healthy bodies. ” also help with a much better recovery once surgery has been done.

Most plans involve exercising two to three times a week. It is often easier to do these in the gym to manage the correct weighted resistance, but much can be done at home using a little imagination.

Often exercises are set up as three sets of 10 repetitions which does have its uses but much better strength gains will be found if the person can e ercise in a slightly different way. Exercise done with enough weight that the muscle tires after 3-5 repetitions and repeated a couple of times can be a better option. This should be done two to three times a week so that a total of 25-45 repetitions per muscle group per week are

performed (depending on experience and built up gradually). Done with various types of exercise equipment or free weights this can achieve a 60% improvement in strength.

For people in pain, this must of course be approached with care and good understanding of goals and beliefs. Some may be frightened to move a painful joint, let alone be told to perform a weighted squat so discussion, education and understanding of the concerns are key. An assessed knee pain programme may start with an exercise where the joint is still but the limb is pushing against a resistance before progressing to a knee extension against a band or machine with some movement of the joint. This could then be followed by some sort of squat with weights added as appropriate. Most programmes need to be done for 12 weeks, noting how pain and function change after a few wee s to effect a longer term change.

So it looks like we should all release our inner Arnie and start lifting weights. ‘I’ll be back,’ he said and it looks like it could be the way for us to come back more quickly from injury, wear and tear. I’ll see you at the gym.

To contact Sarah ring 07780 900201

July 2021 / theactivemag.com

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Trail run fun | The roundup Meet a first time marathon runner

ActiveSport GARTREE

GREAT BOWDEN

MARKET HARBOROUGH START/FINISH LITTLE BOWDEN

THEDDINGWORTH

BRAYBROOKE

Distance: 25 miles Elevation:480m Ride type: Road

SIBBERTOFT

ARTHINGWORTH

On your bike!

This month Gary Waterfall does a gentle 25 mile ride starting at Little Bowden on the edge of Market Harborough.

It’s only 1,500 feet ascent so nothing too dramatic.

S

TARTING FROM Little Bowden the route goes south almost parallel to the River Jordan - not the biblical one, this one is much smaller - until you cross the river in Braybrooke. Look out here for the remains of a medieval moated castle, although to be fair little remains today. Keep heading south/south west through Arthingworth, over the A14 and then turn right to Naseby and revel in some

KELMARSH

NASEBY HASELBECH

history. The Battle of Naseby took place here during the English Civil war in 1645 when Oliver Cromwell’s army defeated Charles I Royalists.

Head north from Naseby back over the A14 and through Sibbertoft and Theddingworth before turning right at mile 17 on Laughton Road. Just after the canal bridge at 19.5 miles you could turn left and visit Foxton locks. But be careful of other

cars and the road isn’t great for highly tuned road bikes.

Join the route back at Gartree and head to Great Bowden before going south through the outskirts of Market Harborough and back to finish at Little Bowden. https://www.strava.com/ routes/2832294893967403392

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ActiveSport

Trail Run Wild dog events have planned a trail run from Braunston to the highest point in Rutland, and it’s a tough one!

OS MAP REFERENCE: OS Explorer 234 DISTANCE: 6 miles DIFFICULTY RATING: 4 out of 5

T

HIS MONTH’S TRAIL run takes you to the highest point of Rutland at 197m above sea level. With a total ascent of 234m over six miles this a challenging route, but a true trail run because when you leave Braunston there are no other villages.

Three miles south west of Oakham at Braunston Church (Grid Ref SK833067) is the starting point. But before you start make sure you find the stone carving or that ugly stone thing’ as one of the villages described it when I asked them where it was) at the base of the west tower. he Sheela na gig’ which has proved di cult to date could go bac to the 12th century. Like the current resident the past residents of Braunston must have found the carving ugly too because it was discovered face down being used as a step leading into the church around 1920.

fter admiring the Sheela na gig’ follow the footpath out of the church yard in a westerly direction. Where the footpath forks ta e the right path along the top of the field.

Follow this path to the footbridge which crosses the River Gwash. After crossing the river bear south westerly and keep the stream on your left. At South Lodge Farm cross the track and keep heading in a south westerly direction to the corner of the field where you will cross the stream.

Now keep the stream to your right for one field. fter climbing over the first stile head diagonally across the field to the opposite corner. ross into the ne t field and hold that bearing until you reach the corner of the third field. ere there is a farm trac that runs parallel with the path. Follow the track to the hedge line and then bear west down the hill to where the footpath and the road to Launde Abbey meet (SK805057). ere you have a choice. ou can turn right onto the road and follow it to the T-junction or, if you want to stick to paths, turn right, head back up the hill heading north easterly and cross the farm track near the muck heap where you will see the stile. Keep on a north easterly bearing to the corner of the field where you will hit the Tilton to Braunston Road (SK8090069). Take a sharp left to join a path taking you in a westerly direction and bac to the first road you came across earlier (SK805059). Turn right onto the road and follow it to the T-junction.

At the T-Junction join the bridleway with the hedge on your left. After 100 metres the bridleway takes a subtle left and then past the top of Preston Lodge. After Preston Lodge make sure you stick to the bridleway; ignore the two other footpaths. When presented with two gates, take the metal one on the left and stay on the bridleway before

heading down to the footbridge to cross the River Gwash for a second time.

From the river it is now uphill to the top.

After crossing the Braunston to Knossington road head towards the north easterly corner of the field to eep on the bridleway. hen nearing the summit you will go through a metal gate and after approximately 100m there is a large tree (SK827084) to your left.

This is your cue that you have reached the summit. Look along the left-hand side of the fence for about 150m and you will see the trig beacon marking the highest point in Rutland.

To return to Braunston head back down the bridleway for m then ta e the first footpath on your left. The footpath runs parallel to the hedgerow for three quarters of the field where it ta es a sharp right to head south and down the hill back into Braunston.

In the village take a right onto the road and a left at the phone box to return to the church.

Essential Information PARKING On street parking in Braunston near the church.

DISTANCE AND DIFFICULTY Six miles with some steady climbs.

HIGHLIGHTS Reaching the summit and knowing you are at the highest point in the county of Rutland. https://osmaps.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/ route/8685949/Braunston-to-thehighest-point-in-Rutland

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There’s lots going on at the local clubs this month, Jeremy Smithson-Beswick fills us in

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OUNG TEAMS FROM the rugby clubs of Oakham, Market Harborough and Uppingham’s Stoneygate seem to have had a blast at the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup in mid-June, as part of this nationwide festival of grassroots events that takes place every year for under 12 and under 11 sides.

Oakham certainly appear to have done particularly well, the club reporting that Leicester Tiger’s Scott Clarke had been very complimentary about the lads and lasses ‘skills, attitude, sportsmanship and behaviour’ and their own proud coaching team saying ‘they embody the core values of rugby and should be very proud.’ Bravo to each and every one!

As for Tigers themselves, although there were disappointments towards the end of the season, taken in the round they have had a much better one than for some time. When we remind ourselves that they were indisputably the worst side in the remiership last campaign, a cup final and a chance of a top four finish going into the last month represents very encouraging progress under Steve Borthwick. So much so that he’s been nominated for head coach of the season and some are beginning to speak of him as a future England coach. Not just yet please!

Given that their start was totally disrupted by the closure of the training ground due to a Covid outbreak, what Borthwick’s achieved is remarkable.

‘A cup final and a chance of a top four finish going into the last month represents very encouraging progress under Steve Borthwick.’

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ActiveSport

J Biggs photography

As the rugby season, such as it was at local level finishes, cric et ta es over and our sides have been busy. s this edition hits the stands, Burghley ar and Bourne will be playing in the final of the Stamford harity up, having defeated assington and eterborough’s the ity club respectively. bat carrying le shwin was the hero for Burghley in their semi final with a swashbuc ling century and also chipped in with a couple of wic ets. ust the lift the club needed after having reluctantly decided to cancel their celebrated ric et ee for the second successive year following the e tension of ovid restrictions. he horse trials have also been called off, by the way . shwin wasn’t the only cric eter to carry his bat this month, ristian urant emulating that feat for etton Sports with against the league leaders in ivision ast , Mahar Stars. aptain Mat Bird returned his best ever bowling figures in the same match with to ensure the visitors fell short of their re uired . ppingham had been going great guns in Leicestershire ivision until their home fi ture against Bar by. aving posted a respectable they saw Bar by’s Ben ollis n.o. and Steve lowers pile on the runs to see the visitors home with ust one over to spare. owever, having been unbeaten since, they currently sit third in the table behind ibworth’s second and Lutterworth. ne tier up in the remier, a ham occupy the same position, only ibworth’s firsts and othley ar above them. or a brief period in late May they’d headed the table in this their first full season at these di y heights and would have started une

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‘Stamford Town have reached that time in the cycle when they need to refresh their sponsorship partners, something all clubs at this level rely heavily on.’

hoping to stay there but, alas, lost to both those rivals in the month. ver in the ambridgeshire League Stamford own are currently mid table in the remier having had a torrid time of it of late, only winning one from four since beating isbech on May nd.

Across the town there will be disappointment for many football supporters as Blac stones ’s Mar Baines has resigned as first team manager. eading between the lines, it seems the frustration of two seasons disrupted by the pandemic coupled with the current uncertainty of which league they will play in this season they’ve been put into the astern ounties league but are appealing the decision has ta en its toll. Matthew obinson has stepped up to careta er manager for the time being.

Better news at Stamford aniels where ey players are safely returning to Borderville after the trials and tribulations of the last two years and some concern that they may have chosen to play elsewhere. Manager raham rury professed himself so chuffed’ to have ohn hallinor bac at the club for the coming season saying love his wor rate on the pitch and at training, it rubs off on the younger players, and he is ust a great lad to be around.’ lso returning is stri er ec ’ are, who rury ac nowledged had struggled with a

bac in ury for a couple of years but was highly talented.’ Both follow the earlier re signing of eepers an aystead and Ma everell and outfielders arry ince, Mi e rmstrong, onnor Bartle and oe Burgess. rury is mightily relieved after reports that many of them had been offered silly money’ to play elsewhere. lsewhere, congratulations are due to eeping nited whose yan llwood scored twice to help them beat Sawtry in the semi final of the eterborough Minor up.

Lastly, we return to rugby as Stamford own have reached that time in the cycle when they need to refresh their sponsorship partners, something all clubs at this level rely heavily on. ith ids showing up for the minis every Sunday, a women’s team and the olts as well as the seniors that’s a lot of proud mums and dads, friends and relations who form the e tended family and ta e due note of who’s supporting the club. retty much everything from headline sponsor downwards is available from ne t season onwards so if you, or the company you wor for, could do with the raising of a local profile, benefit from match day hospitality, or get involved in some other way large or small, the contact is oss hain ross rossthain.co.u

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July 2021 / theactivemag.com

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ActiveSport

Starting from scratch London Marathon 2021 – here we come, ready or not!

John Pridgeon and Andy Wilson have never run a marathon before, and they only have four months to train…

I

RECENTLY RECEIVED some brilliant advice: most people who make it to the start line of a marathon will make it round.

Well, I suppose that’s true. Most do make it round and it wouldn’t be a particularly enjoyable event if the majority fell by the roadside over the 26 miles.

But the issue for us is getting to the start line of the London Marathon in the first place. Because when you only have four months to get in shape for it, thanks to its rescheduling because of Covid, and you’re a regular-ish runner but no Mo Farah and taking part with a mate who has never run before, just being at the start line is going to be a triumph. Before the next bit, of course.

So why are Andy and me here? Around four years ago, as an overweight non-runner, I took up running to become a less overweight runner. And with massive support from a friend or two (thanks so much to the ladies of Team CB), I progressed to entering running events/triathlons etc, which taught me that with focus and determination anything can be achieved.

Andy and I are now getting in two to three training runs a week. Slow and steady wins the race to the start line on 3 October 2021…

Use it or Lose it, keep your brain and body active

Second helpings, a group helping reduce food waste

Winter walks with Will

We try out a ‘god pod’

Meet fly fishing guide Nick Dunn

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matter how small, gets you closer to the end so every little bit of support helps, thank you.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the entire country, it has been especially challenging for people living with cancer. Thousands of cancer patients are still experiencing uncertainty and delays to their treatment, while tens of thousands more could have undiagnosed cancer due to the disruption caused by coronavirus.

Longer waits for surgery or other treatment to start, combined with disruption to screening programmes and diagnostics, and fewer people coming forward with symptoms in the first place, have all added up to create a worrying backlog in cancer care.

As the health service seeks to tackle the backlog, Macmillan’s task of supporting people living with cancer has become even more significant. But Macmillan’s fundraising income has been negatively hit as many of the events and activities to raise money have been cancelled over the past year.

Meet superfood skincare expert Lisa Armitage

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Find out about social prescribing Meet Tom Bourne, director of sport at Uppingham Community College ISSUE 91 | JANUARY 2020

Running helps with so many aspects of my life. While I will never be the fastest and I will always moan before a run and sometimes need dragging by the dog, I’m always pleased to complete any running achievement, great or small.

I could not have contemplated doing this without friends. They supported me through the loss of my brother, mother, mother-in-law and more recently a dear friend all to cancer through endless training sessions or as we called them ‘running rants.’

But this is my greatest challenge. And just as my friends got behind me, I am happy to get behind my friend Andy and we are asking people to get behind us, to see what we can achieve. I know that with focus and determination I can help Andy complete the running bit. But that’s just half the story: we need to raise funds to help the good work of Macmillan to continue.

We all know someone, or will know someone, who will be affected by cancer. So please do whatever you can to help. It might be a small amount, a whopping big amount, or just some advice and help on raising what is a mountainous amount of money: £10,000. But like the Marathon, every step, no

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